High Blood Pressure and Pregnancy

Michael BerestonApr 30, 2018

Outside of the usual discomforts. most women will enjoy and experience
a normal and uncomplicated pregnancy. But what happens if your healthcare
provider begins to notice that your blood pressure is getting higher as
your pregnancy progresses? Most importantly, what does that mean for your
unborn baby?

Gestational Hypertension

High blood pressure that develops in the second half of pregnancy is also
known as gestational hypertension. An older term that your healthcare
provider may use is caned pregnancy induced hypertension . Approximately
8-10% of women pregnant for the first time will develop gestational hypertension,
and approximately 1 in 4 women with gestational hypertension will go on
to develop preeclampsia.

Effects of Gestational Hypertension in Pregnancy

So what can happen to you and/or your unborn baby it you develop this condition?
Gestational hypertension can affect blood perfusion of the placenta and
subsequently the oxygenation of the baby. Some babies will not grow as
wen because the placenta is not supplying oxygen or nutrients optimally.
In the worst situation, this can lead to stillbirth.

Preeclampsia and its Effects on Pregnancy

What happens if your healthcare provider suspects you have preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a condition that 25% of women with gestational hypertension
develop and consists of a triad of symptoms: high blood pressure, protein
spilling into the urine. and persistent swelling that does not go away.
Again, condition affects blood flow to the placenta, which can lead to
problems with fetal growth and even lead to fetal death. However, preeclampsia
can also go on to affect other maternal organs such as the liver. kidneys.
and nervous system

Monitoring your Unborn Baby for Safety

If your healthcare provider suspects that you have either condition, he/she
will most likely start watching your pregnancy closer by checking extra
labs and monitoring the baby weekly with a machine that listens for the
baby’s heartbeat over a period of time (usually 20 min) and checks
for any uterine contractions that may be occurring. This is called antenatal
testing. The ultimate cure for gestational hypertension and preeclampsia
is delivery. This is where you and your healthcare provider need to communicate
well with one another. Make sure that you speak to your healthcare provider
about what he/she plans to do so you both can develop a plan to have a
healthy baby in the end.

* The Law Firm of Michael H. Bereston, Inc.’s main office is located
in Annapolis, Maryland and is licensed in Maryland and the District of
Columbia. The Law Firm of Michael H. Bereston, Inc. practices nationwide
on a pro hac vice basis.